Gluten-Free Rome: A Travel Guide for Celiacs

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Rome is an amazing place to see and explore, but if you are a celiac or you’re gluten intolerant your number one concern is where and what you’ll eat in the glutenland known as Italy. Contrary to what you may think, it’s actually fairly easy to eat gluten-free in Rome, (well all of Italy actually) and with this article, it will be even easier than tying your shoes. Yep, it’s going to be that easy.

We have traveled to Italy over four times and have fallen in love. It wasn’t because of its attractions or history, but because of the sheer number of 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurants, Italians’ amazing understanding of celiac disease, the ability to practically eat everything gluten eaters can eat (GF version of course) and of course, the fact that I can eat as much gelato as I want!

It’s by far the best place to travel as a celiac. But this is not about my awesome trips to Italy, instead it’s a guide to make sure you experience the gluten-free paradise that is Rome and eat your way safely through the ancient city!

Before getting into this detailed guide, here are a few things to know:

All the restaurants listed here are certified by the Italian Celiac Association (AIC), which means they are trained and monitored periodically by AIC and follow AIC rules for preparing safe, gluten-free food.

If possible, avoid going to Rome or Italy during August, as many Italians go on vacation and many of the restaurants will close for 2 weeks or more, including the ones listed here.

Insider tip: Don’t want to risk getting sick or having to worry about possible cross-contamination while eating out in Rome? Then eat at only 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurants in Rome. How? With our new ebook you’ll have access to over 50 dedicated gluten-free establishments including restaurants, bakeries, gelaterias, ice cream shops and supermarkets for just $9! That’s cheaper than one gluten-free meal!

Gluten-Free Restaurants in Rome

Gluten-Free Restaurants in Trastevere

Mama Eat | Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

In Rome’s most romantic neighborhood, the Trastevere district, you’ll find a celiac’s paradise, Mama Eat! With an entire menu that can be made gluten-free (that’s over 8 pages we are talking about), a separate dedicated kitchen, gf meals that come out in transparent plates to avoid cross-contamination and an extremely knowledgeable staff, how could a celiac like myself not feel like a kid in a candy store. Here you can eat anything from bruschetta and arancino to paninis and pizza. But I think everyone comes for the pizza, well at least I do. Since Rome is known for its deep fried foods, you can’t leave Mama Eat without trying at least one of them! If you are lactose intolerant, the waiters will take special care of you too, as many dishes can be made dairy free, including the pizzas! Mama Eat is a chain restaurant with two locations in Rome (keep reading for the second one) and one in Naples, Italy.

Ryzhkov Photography / shutterstock.com

Il Tulipano Nero | Via Roma Libera, 15, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Also known as The Black Turnip, this restaurant is a nice spot to eat gluten-free food in a less touristy spot of Trastevere. Popular with both locals and tourists, gluten-free eaters can enjoy everything from pasta to pizza to grilled meat, as everything on the menu can be made gluten-free. Unfortunately, Il Tulipano Nero is one of those restaurants in Rome that do charge extra to make a dish gluten-free, € 2 per dish to be exact! It can get pricey if you’re a fat ass like me! I guess, that’s why it’s my least favorite of all the places listed here. Nonetheless, it’s still a good place to eat safe, gluten-free food in Rome.

Gluten-Free Restaurants Near The Vatican

Mama Eats Street Food ★ | Borgo Pio, 28, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Fair warning: If you’re looking for healthy food, please turn around because Mama Eats Street Food isn’t for you. This little eatery is a great place to enjoy a quick snack or lunch near the Vatican, especially if you are looking to enjoy traditional Roman and Neapolitan street food. Mama Eats Street Food serves ridiculously delicious fried food that’s far from healthy, but very much a treat for any celiac or anyone who’s gluten intolerant. After all, it’s not every day a celiac can have fried food! Luckily, Mama Eats Street Food is one of the many dedicated gluten-free restaurants in Rome, so you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination and can indulge in as much fried food as your heart desires! The menu includes Italian favorites like lasagna, paninis, risotto and eggplant parmesan, but coming here and not trying one of their cuoppo, a paper cone usually filled with deep-fried goodness, is a sin! From fried pizza to fried doughnuts drizzled in Nutella, you won’t want to skip this awesome dedicated gluten-free eatery in Rome!

Just a short walk from the Vatican in a cozy basement you’ll find one of the best gluten-free pizzas in Rome! Their pizza dough is not too chewy, not too crispy or doughy, it’s just right! Their pasta dishes are also top notch if you ask me. Though everything on the menu can be made gluten-free, you do pay an additional fee of € 1 for the “senza glutine” pizza. It’s not an expensive fee to pay, but it is a fee. A fee many restaurants, including most on this list, do not charge. Nonetheless, it’s totally worth it. La Soffitta Renovatio takes extra care of their customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities by cooking meals in a separate area and adding flags to all gluten-free dishes to help avoid cross-contamination. They also cater to other food allergies including lactose intolerance. From the gluten-free pizzas and beers to the friendly staff, chances are you’ll eat here more than once.

Gluten-Free Restaurants Near Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori

Voglia di Pizza | Via dei Giubbonari, 33, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

If you’re looking for a traditional Italian meal near the touristy Piazza Navona, than Voglia di Pizza is where you need to eat. For over 15 years, Voglia di Pizza has been specializing in traditional Roman dishes and gluten-free foods, specifically gluten-free pizza. Their gluten-free pizza is rumored to be the best gluten-free pizza in Rome; though definitely one of the best, I must admit I had better while in Rome. Voglia di Pizza boasts an extensive gluten-free menu that’s almost as long as the regular menu. Anything from pasta to pizza, calzones to bread,and dessert to beer, Voglio has it all and you won’t regret eating any of it! Like most of the restaurants on this list, Voglia di Pizza makes gluten-free meals in a separate kitchen and serves them with a flag marker. The staff are also knowledgeable and well trained when it comes to catering to gluten-free customers.

Pub Cuccagna | Via della Cuccagna, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Just a few meters away from Piazza Navona on a small quiet side street, you’ll find a reasonably priced restaurant and pub serving gluten-free options. If you stop by during happy hour from 4-6pm you can take part in the Italian aperitif (happy hour but way better), where drinks, mostly cocktails are € 5 and snacks are € 3. If you stop by during the day, sit outside and people watch as you enjoy an array of gluten-free dishes such as pasta, pizza and dessert.

Gluten-Free Restaurant Near Pantheon

Pantha Rei | Via della Minerva, 18/19, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

This little gem is tucked away down a small and quiet alleyway right next to the chaotic and noisy Pantheon. Compared to the other restaurants in this area, you’ll find Pantha Rei to be reasonably priced with a cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable and friendly waiters. Like most gluten-free restaurants listed here, almost everything on the menu can be made gluten-free, including the pasta dishes and pizza. And yes, their pizza might just be the best gluten-free pizza you’ve had in Rome, unfortunately you’ll pay an extra € 2 for that gluten-free pizza. Vegetarians would be happy to know they also serve a vegetarian buffet with lots of grilled veggies and cheese. Regardless of what you eat here, you’ll find Pantha Rei to be a nice little celiac retreat away from the hustle and bustle surrounding the Pantheon.

Egor Fomin / shutterstock.com

Gluten-Free Restaurants Near Trevi Fountain & The Spanish Steps

Pizza in Trevi | Via di S. Vincenzo, 30-30A, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

If you are looking for a great gluten-free restaurant that’s a coin toss away from the Trevi Fountain, head to Pizza in Trevi. However, be prepared to pay a bit more and wait a bit longer to order, as it’s in a super touristy area! Like all the restaurants in this article, Pizza in Trevi takes celiac disease very seriously. The second you mention you are a celiac or are gluten intolerant they’ll remove the current utensils and replace them with newly wrapped cutleries and a new glass to avoid cross-contamination from the kitchen or outside. Ordering food may take a while, as their extensive gluten-free menu and list of gluten-free beers will be hard to choose from, as everything sounds tasty. But I would strongly recommend their gf sourdough pizza (tastes like no other pizza you’ll eat in Rome, it’s delicious) with any of their generous toppings or one of their homemade gf pasta dishes, the lasagna or gnocchi is a great start lol!

Alex Cafe | Via Vittorio Veneto, 20, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Part of Hotel Alexandria, this Mediterranean/Italian restaurant serves delicious pasta dishes, and luckily almost all of the pasta dishes can be made gluten-free. We highly recommend getting one of the seafood pasta dishes, they’re delicious! Unfortunately, if you are looking for gluten-free pizza, don’t come here as they don’t serve any. Besides not having gf pizza, you’ll find Alex Cafe to be a nice little spot to enjoy some good food. Tip: If you stay at the Hotel Alexandra, you’ll get a 10% discount on your meal.

More Gluten-free Restaurants All Around Rome

Ristorante II Viaggio | Via Isonzo, 14, 00198 Roma RM, Italy

Ristorante II Viaggio describe themselves as a restaurant for celiacs, specializing in gluten-free and lactose-free cooking. The owner believes everyone should eat great tasting food and no one should miss out on any delicious meal, especially theirs. This is why everything on their menu can be made gluten-free. Their menu includes Italian favorites like spaghetti carbonara, gnocchi, and second course meat dishes like salmon, cod and fillet steak. If you are like me and can’t choose what to eat, you can take advantage of their half-portion option, which allows you to sample multiple things from the menu. Overall, Ristorante Il Viaggio is reasonably priced with attentive and friendly staff that really understand food allergies. Though off the touristy path, this restaurant is well worth the visit! Did I mention they have cooking classes available specifically for celiacs?!

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Millennium | Via di Tor Tre Teste, 35, 00169 Roma RM, Italy

Located in the neighborhood of Alexandria, Millennium is a pub, restaurant and pizzeria well-known by locals for their historic care of celiacs. This restopub is not like any you may visit in Rome. Though it’s huge, the service is quick and the food is good. Regardless of the size or amount of people there, the staff and cooks pay extra attention to those eating gluten-free. Millennium has a very extensive gluten-free menu with good food, but I think their specialty is definitely the pizza. If you find yourself in this neighborhood during your trip to Rome, don’t miss out on this place, as it’s a great spot to spend a day with family and friends, there’s even karaoke.

At Taverna Barberini you’ll get the proper Italian friendliness, the humor, smiles, and of course good food with fresh ingredients! From the prosciutto and melon appetizer to the spinach and cheese rivoli to the grilled lamb, you’ll find you can indulge in almost anything on the menu as most of the items can be made gluten-free, with the exception of two or three items. With finger-licking gluten-free food, friendly and humorous staff, scrumptious desserts and a cozy atmosphere, you might spend over three hours eating here like we did and not even notice. Oh how time flies when you’re having mouthwatering gluten-free Italian food!

Mangiafuoco Pizza & Grill | Via Chiana, 37, 00198 Roma RM, Italy

This local restaurant, whose name translates to fire eater, serves up some delicious gluten-free foods. What makes Mangiafuoco Pizza & Grill different from the rest is not that they have a seperate gf kitchen, a dedicated gf menu, or meals that come out with a flag on it, rather it’s the fact that they have gluten-free beer on tap. Not many restaurants in Rome do that, so I had to give it a spot on this list! As for the food, they serve delicious fried goodies like supplì, fried zucchini, and croquettes, as well as great gluten-free pizza. However, we recommend eating one of their meat dishes! The steaks or any of their grilled meats are a must-have! This popular restaurant is almost always crowded, especially on the weekends, so making a reservation is highly recommended!

Tucked away from the chaos of the main street, you’ll find the beautifully decorated restaurant, Risotteria Melotti Roma. Risotteria Melotti Roma is not your traditional Italian restaurant in the sense that they offer second dish and contorni, rather they are a risotteria, which means they specialize in rice dishes, specifically risottos! With that being said, please don’t come here looking for pizza or pasta, this is a different kind of Italian eating experience that we know you will enjoy if you give it a chance. You can choose from over ten different risottos as a main course and some appetizers and desserts, all of which are rice based. We recommend enjoying your meal with their Verona’s sparkling wine, Durello. Everything on the menu is gluten-free as Risotteria Melotti Roma is another great dedicated gluten-free restaurant in Rome. Risotteria Melotti also has another location in Verona, Italy and another in New York City.

Gluten-Free Bakeries in Rome

Sans de Ble ★ | Via Gabriello Chiabrera 58c, 00145 Rome, Italy

Sans de Ble’s baked goods are exactly what gluten-free baked goods should be, “not good for gluten-free”, but better than its gluten counterpart. Located near the San Paolo Station, you’ll find a gluten-free haven serving an array of pastries, cookies, cakes and snaks to enjoy for lunch as well as pizzas and focaccia sandwiches. We enjoyed every single thing we got here, including the brownies, croissants, and the focaccias. I can guarantee you’ll leave this bakery like a happy celiac in gluten-free heaven!

Pandali ★ | Via Di Torre Argentina, 3, 00186 Rome, Italy

Pandali is another great dedicated gluten-free bakery near the Pantheon on the street that leads to Largo di Argentina. This little bakery is a great spot for a quick, sweet Italian treat or snack after visiting the Pantheon. If you are anything like me, you’ll probably want to take some of those treats to go so you can snack while exploring more Roman attractions.

Gluten-Free Gelaterias In Rome

There is no way you’ll come to Rome without eating gelato, after all it’s not everyday a celiac can have gelato, as many companies use wheat as a filler! Fortunately for us, some Italians prefer making traditional gelato without the wheat or gluten, and I listed two of them here. However, if you want to make sure you have a celiac-safe gelato in hand wherever you are in Rome, download this free PDF, which has all the gelaterias (over 30 to be exact) in Rome that are certified by the AIC, the Italian Celiac Association. Download your free “Celiac-Safe Gelatarias in Rome” list now!

Grom ★ | Various Locations

Grom is a famous international Italian gelato chain in over 30 cities in Italy, including Rome. With nine locations scattered around Rome (for all their locations see this PDF) chances are you’ll run into one. Though Grom is a chain, don’t let that discourage you from eating there (we hate chains too, but not this one), as we had the best gelato in Italy in one of their shops! In Italy, everything in Grom is 100% gluten-free, including all their gelato flavors, sorbets and cones. Yes, I said gluten-free cones! On top of that, all their gelatos are creamy, delicious and made without any preservatives or artificial colors, just natural ingredients. If you want quality gelato that is also 100% safe for celiacs, you must have a gelato or twelve at Grom!

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Gelateria Fatamorgana ★ | Various Locations

Another one of my favorite and popular gelaterias is Fatamorgana. Like Grom, they too take making good gelato seriously, using only natural ingredients with no thickeners, preservatives or food coloring. And since the owner is also celiac, they only serve handmade gluten-free gelato, sorbets and cones. However, Fatamorgana is not only a paradise for celiacs, as it also caters to those with other dietary restrictions offering many sugar, egg, dairy and nut-free options. With eight locations in Rome and over 50 different seasonal flavors, it will be hard to choose, so I recommend having one gelato for breakfast, two for lunch and three for dinner 🙂

Gluten-Free Restaurants At the Fiumicino Airport

When celiacs travel, we know that finding safe gluten-free food in the airport is very, very slim! But this is not the case at the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino Airport) in Rome! At Fiumicino, you can find a good number of places where you can sit down and eat a warm meal, grab a snack at a snack bar or grab packaged food from a small supermarket. Below, I have listed just a few of the restaurants in each terminal that offer gluten-free meals or snacks. However, if you want a detailed list, we recommend downloading the airport’s eat & drink guide that has detailed information on all the gastronomic offerings at the airport, including gluten-free eateries.

Terminal 1 (T1)

Fogile – A salad bar where you build your own salad. You can choose from 34 ingredients and 5 toppings. Located in the food court.

Grill Fish & Steak – Also located in the food court, you can pick different meats to be grilled. They have a dedicated grill for celiacs and those who are gluten intolerant.

San Crispino – A gelateria that serves natural gelatos, no preservatives or additives. Gluten-free cones are available!

Terminal 3 (T3)

Time Cafe – A snack bar where you can enjoy a quick snack or breakfast.

Ciao/Asia – You can enjoy anything from classic Italian dishes to Asian cuisine.

Boarding area B

Lavazza for Mokà – Enjoy a good cup of Italian coffee and some snacks.

Bricola – A french bakery with sweet and savory baked goods.

Open Bistro – Here you can enjoy a nice sit down meal. However, note that the buffet is not safe to consume due to cross-contamination.

Boarding Area D

Tentazoni Cafe – A snack bar where you can enjoy a coffee and a snack.

The bar & Cafe Moka – Another snack bar with a variety of snacks and coffee drinks.

Supermarkets with Gluten-Free Items

To be honest, there is no need to pack suitcases filled with gluten-free food, because everywhere you look in Italy you’ll find gluten-free goodies. In almost every supermarket, especially the large chains like Coop, Conad or Aldi, you’ll find a large dedicated gluten-free food aisle, if not two. You can get everything from cookies, bread, pizza, deli meat, pasta, pie crust and any goodies you could probably think of.

Also, many of these large supermarket chains have their own line of gluten-free products, which are usually a lot cheaper, but that’s not to say that GF products are expensive in Italy. They are fairly cheap compared to gluten-free products in the states.

Everything is clearly labeled in the supermarkets, and labels will state if gluten is present in any products or if there are any traces (“può contenere tracce di glutine”). All gluten-free products that aren’t naturally gluten-free will be labeled “senza glutine”. Gluten-free foods can also be found in every pharmacy, as gluten-free food is considered medicine.

If you are looking for a specific gluten-free brand and none of the large supermarkets carry it, you can probably find it at one of the dedicated gluten-free supermarkets listed below.

Celiachimo ★ | Various Locations

Located near the Tiburtina station, you’ll find this well-known dedicated gluten-free grocery store. It is not known because of their gf packaged products, but for their baked goods and pizza. There are also three other locations in Rome.

L’Isola Celiaca Roma Cassia ★ | Various Locations

A well-stocked dedicated grocery store for celiacs. They also serve fresh products such as baked bread, sandwiches, pizzas, supplì and even breakfast cakes and biscuits. This store is part of the L’Isola Celiaca franchise, with over 15 shops in Italy and many in Rome.

Gluten-Free Hotels in Rome

All the hotels listed below are certified by the Italian Celiac Association, AIC, which means all staff are trained and have completed a course on celiac disease. The hotel also follows all AIC rules for preparing gluten-free foods and are periodically monitored at least once a year by AIC. This means that these hotels should be equipped to service and produce safe gluten-free breakfasts and meals for all celiacs. Be sure to inform the hotel ahead of time to let them know you are a celiac and any other allergies you have.

Hotel Mozart – In the heart of Rome, steps away from the Spanish Steps is this elegant hotel with comfortable rooms and a beautiful roof garden.

Hotel Diana – A little gem near the Termini, and just a twenty-minute walk to the Colosseum. You’ll enjoy a delicious gluten-free Italian or Neapolitan meal at their rooftop restaurant.

Hotel Fori Imperiali Cavalieri – On a quiet side street, just 300 meters away from the Colosseum and 600 meters from the Roman Forum you’ll find this lovely hotel. Only breakfast is served here, but it’s delicious.

Hotel Alexandria – This is an elegant and hospitable hotel with a delicious Italian and Mediterranean restaurant located near the Barberini metro area.

Hotel Casa Tra Noi – A comfortable and affordable hotel, just a few minutes walk from the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square.

Hearth Hotel – This eco-friendly hotel, which is located inside a historical building, is right in front of the entrance of the world-renowned Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Only gluten-free breakfast is available.

The Duke Hotel – In the Parioli area not too far from the Spanish Steps, you’ll find this luxurious four-star hotel where you can enjoy a rich international breakfast, or a Roman dish in their prestigious gourmet restaurant, Il Duca. Their aperitif at the Polo Lounge is also nice.

Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park – Located in the Vittoria district, Courtyard’s renowned restaurant, Il Moscati has an à la carte menu that can please not only celiacs but also vegetarians and vegans. They also have dairy-free, halal and kosher dishes.

Don’t want to book at a hotel and want to make your own meals, check out Airbnb! You can rent entire homes or just a room, the choice is yours. If you want to get $40 off your first booking on Airbnb click here!

Gluten Free Resources

Reader Interactions

Comments

Great guide! Have to disagree with you on best pizzas in Rome though. I thought the pizza at Mama Eat was pretty mediocre, sorry! It’s more Domino’s/American style than the thinner base I prefer. Also, like La Soffita, Mama Eat do charge extra for gluten free dishes (vs normal). Whereas Voglia di Pizza do not and I think their pizzas are much better. Sorry, just my view from many trips to Rome!

This is a fantastic guide! I have not been back to Rome since being gluten free and it is definitely on my list. Everyone keeps sharing how wonderful it is! I love that they have so many 100% gluten free places now too! Much of Europe is still on my travel list for either going for the first time or going back since being gluten free. I love the ease of Europe now with so many celiacs. Thanks for a fantastic list!

Thank you so much for putting together such a comprehensive list. I just returned from showing a friend around Rome and she is celiac. Every single day we ate great food because of this list. This was amazingly up to date and helpful.

Guys! I can’t thank you enough. I’m off to Rome for the first time this weekend and was a little worried about what I was going to eat – but now I’m excited! This all sounds amazing and so tasty. Thank you SO MUCH for putting this guides together ❤️

Love this post, and have found it helpful in Rome. I was not a fan of the pizza at Pantha Rei. I could definitely tell it was a GF crust. Voglia di Pizza is amazing, and tastes like the gluten-filled pizza I remember.

Went to Pizza in Trevi for a gf pizza… it reminded me of a Crumpet. The carbonara was the strongest tasting carbonara we’ve ever had. Couldn’t eat it. They didn’t charge us for that. My gf lasagne was tasty however it was mostly white sauce

Hi, just FYI, Mama Eat restaurant in Trastevere, Italy uses de-Glutined wheat flour in their pizza and breads. Technically for strictly celiacs it might be fine. I have a serious wheat allergy so it’s no good. Also, they are mostly unwilling to make any substitutions to the menu, also no good for allergies. Just to let you know. Thanks! We went to Voglio di Pizza yesterday and it was divine.

Noelle, I have heard so much about the more widespread use of de-glutened wheat in gluten free products in Europe. I have Celiac and a wheat allergy and am getting nervous about our trip. Which other places did you find that were both gluten and wheat free in Rome? Thank you so much for bringing this up!!